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Ok, ok, so DC Direct is reeling a bit after getting SLAMMED by ToyBiz's Legends and Marvel Select Figures. Fine, it's time to strike back. So what do you do, just parrot the competition? Know, you stick with what got you there, but do it BETTER this time.
In this case, DC Direct rolls into 2003 with two hot commodities; an extensive line of Superman figures, and at last, Kingdom Come.
Superman
While Mattel kicks some butt with their Batman pieces, DC Direct goes all-out with a line of Superman figures based on the current story-lines of the Man of Steel, with a major tip-of-the-hat to Dan Jurgens. Granted, Curt Swan is still THE Superman artist, but Jurgens gave the Metropolis Marvel a little extra oomph in that barrel-chest and spit-curl.
Good; Very, very, VERY good sculpts influenced by Dan Jurgens and other Superman artists of the last 10 years. And it's also nice to see other characters, such as the new Brainiac and Cyborg, finally get their own figures. Also, these figures have MEGA articulation; about 20 points on Superman.
Bad; Still VERY sparse in accessories. No, you don't have to build a 20" x 20" x 15" diorama, but come on people, give us SOMETHING for the buck; maybe a chunk of Kryptonite, how about a steel girder he can bend.
Ugly; Um, does anyone really CARE about the Cyborg?
Kingdom Come
Oh yeah! If you don't know what the story is about, well, GET OUT FROM UNDER YOUR ROCK AND READ IT!!!!!! Take the Classic comic heroes and flash-forward 20 years and see what happens when they clash with modern, and more psychotic 'heroes.'
Amazing story, and soooooooooo many figures begging to be made; Batman in his plate-mail armor. Superman with the messed-up S-shield and black background, the list went on forever. Well, our wishes were granted as DC Direct produces a ton o' figures based upon this incredible story.
Good; AMAZING sculpts based upon Alex Ross' artwork. The pieces are spitting images of the characters from the story, from Superman's very grim visage to the new, god-like version of Hawkman.
Bad; Unfortunately, to maintain that detail, the articulation is very limited. DOH!
Ugly; Um... WHERE IS MAGOG!!!!!!!